Congratulations to outgoing Fridley Public Schools Director of Teaching and Learning John Piotraschke, who was awarded the International Baccalaureate (IB) 2021 Administrator Award by the Minnesota Association of IB World Schools (MNIB) Board. The award was created to recognize administrative leaders in IB World Schools and school districts who have been supportive in creating and maintaining strong IB programs. 

According to Executive Director of MNIB, Jon Peterson, Piotraschke's leadership at Fridley, in Minnesota, and the nationwide IB Educator Network, has been second-to-none.  

“His ability to lead the district’s IB Programmes during the pandemic was incredible,” said Peterson. “Beyond his work during COVID-19, John has been a vibrant member and presenter in the IB Educator Network (IBEN) and his knowledge of the full IB Continuum is beyond what words can describe. There are few administrators who possess that level of training and IB knowledge.”

Prior to becoming the Director or Teaching and Learning, Piotraschke served as principal at Hayes Elementary School for 17 years.  He helped lead the school through its IB World School authorization in 2010 and the opportunity for all Hayes students to participate in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). After retiring as principal in 2019, Piotraschke took on the role of Director of Teaching and Learning for the past two years. In this district leadership role, his work and investment in Fridley's IB Programmes has strengthened and engaged staff across the district through continuous professional development and advancement of curriculum.

“John has been an advocate for the IB ever since Fridley Public Schools started it’s IB journey,” said Peterson. “We are thankful for the work and value that John has brought to IB at all levels in the Minnesota school system.”

Fridley Public Schools offers the full IB Continuum, which includes the PYP, Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP), to all students in grades PreK - 12. Fridley is the first and only school district in the state of Minnesota to offer the PYP to 3- and 4-year-old students in preschool. IB Programmes are internationally-recognized educational programs with rigorous curriculum that emphasizes inquiry-based learning, creative problem solving, global citizenship and focus, second language studies, and taking service action in local and global communities.

At the conclusion of the 2020-21 school year, Piotraschke retired from the district. Congratulations John, and thank you for your longtime service and commitment to Fridley Public Schools and the International Baccalaureate Organization!